Thread: Apple iPad 2 Features Review

Love it or hate it, few products in the last few years have managed to stir up quite as much attention as Apple's latest innovation, the iPad. While small enough to be portable yet large enough to suit a wide variety of tasks, it single-handedly created mass interest and a new market for digital tablets. Now, Apple has followed up their game changing iPad with the iPad 2. Smaller and lighter, the iPad 2 features a range of improvements and additions to the original iPad including a faster processor, dual cameras, FaceTime Video Chat and a host of new apps.

Like the original iPad, the iPad 2 comes in a variety of different models accommodating different uses and budgets. A quick look on eBay for the price of iPad 2 in India confirms that the Wi-Fi only model is the cheapest option at Rs. 26,000 for 16 GB, Rs. 29,000 for 32 GB and Rs. 38,750 for 64 GB. For Wi-Fi + 3G support, the price starts at Rs. 35,950 for 16 GB, Rs. 42,590 for 32 GB and Rs. 47,500 for 64 GB.

Compared to the original, the iPad 2 features a smaller, thinner and sleeker design. It measures in at 9.5 by 7.31 by 0.34 inches, compared to the original's 9.6 by 7.5 by 0.5 inches. The weight has dropped from 1.5 pounds to 1.35 pounds (just over 600 gms; give or take depending on specific model). Although it seems like much of these tiny improvements do make a noticeable difference, but admittedly not a dramatic difference.

The iPad 2 features a new, faster processor. The iPad's A4 processor has been replaced with the new A5 in iPad 2; a dual core processor reportedly nine times faster than the A4. Faster graphics performance from the A5 chip renders better graphics for the latest games and apps. It is a significant improvement and puts the iPad 2's technical specs up there with the highest end tablets.

In addition, the iPad 2 features both a rear and front facing cameras. Although not quite up to snuff with the rest of the product’s near perfect design, the dual cameras can still certainly be put to good use. Don't expect the professional quality, the rear facing camera is the worse of the two, but it certainly is more than adequate for quick snapshots in Photobooth or video chatting with FaceTime.

Like its predecessor, the iPad 2 features iOS4, Apple's tablet software. However, this is far from a bad thing as you can update it to the latest iOS5 through internet. The update is less than 800 MB in size. It is generally agreed upon that iOS5 is the tightest, fastest, most efficient operating system any one has yet to create for digital tablets. It's clean, slick, attractive and well supported by Apple with frequent updates. With the arrival of the iPad 2, Apple has been updated with new apps; the most interesting being iMovie and Garageband. These provide much entertainment, even if the iPad 2's hardware prevents using these programs to their full potential. Another noteworthy app is the iBooks whose version 2 was released just couple of days back. It can be used to browse, download, organize and read the eBooks as well as PDFs. Also, iOS5 supports the new iCloud service from Apple. iCloud can be used to back up your iPad’s data and settings. Also, from iCloud you can automatically download new music, app and book purchases to all of your devices. You can even use iCloud to help locate the misplaced iPad 2 if it's connected to the Wi-Fi.

The primary flaws with the iPad 2 design are not surprisingly the same as the original iPad's. The iPad 2 features no USB support, no flash support and no memory expansion. It is completely possible to use the iPad without ever missing these features. However, the lack of USB support especially can be frustrating as it requires you to use Apple’s proprietary hook-up cables; an idea many find a turn-off.

Hardware limitations aside, the iPad 2 is a serious powerhouse packed beneath a sleek sexy exterior. Although it doesn't necessarily present anything particularly revolutionary or game changing, it is a solid improvement over the original iPad. It has without a doubt inherited the original’s position at the forefront of the digital tablet market, and with good reasons. If you find yourself shopping for a tablet, the iPad 2 features enough power, enough value and enough ingenuity to be one of the only real choices to consider.

Nice Review itsmemad

Good review, maddy. But I will prefer the Galaxy Tab any day as it is more versatile and open.

Good, review which is informative, but unfortunately IPAD 2 is not the most advanced tab in the world as of now. It has been dethroned by Transformer Prime which has a quad core processor, 1 gb ram, better specs and ICS.

Let's see what Ipad 3 has to offer once it is launched in Q2. Hope they don't follow the same trend as the did with Iphone 4S and make it Ipad 2S.

People often come to me and say that they need an advice on a simple PC for home needs - nothing special - just browsing, email, social networking, etc.

I advise them "buy a netbook". For 14-18K, you cannot go much wrong.

They leave unimpressed. They seek others' opinions. Some tell them buy a laptop, or a cheap desktop, etc.

After a month, I see the people carrying an iPad or a Galaxy tab and very happy flashing it all around. My question in all this is "how is the tablet much better than a netbook". Granted that the tablet has style and aura but what else is that the tablet can do which the netbook cannot?

@just4kix What a netbook can do that an ipad can't??

Originally Posted by just4kix

People often come to me and say that they need an advice on a simple PC for home needs - nothing special - just browsing, email, social networking, etc.

I advise them "buy a netbook". For 14-18K, you cannot go much wrong.

They leave unimpressed. They seek others' opinions. Some tell them buy a laptop, or a cheap desktop, etc.

After a month, I see the people carrying an iPad or a Galaxy tab and very happy flashing it all around. My question in all this is "how is the tablet much better than a netbook". Granted that the tablet has style and aura but what else is that the tablet can do which the netbook cannot?

i feel in the end it's just the ease of use and convenience. It's light and easy to carry , and with touchscreen , things get very comfortable and easy. So while traveling, or relaxing it's a good option. Guess these factors make people change their mind. Also some people like to show off or are gadget freaks , they would buy whatever latest hits the market regarding of practicality or usability.

I spend most of my time reading e-books and watching videos on the iPad 2. Definitely better experience before going to sleep.

Also, when I take it to meet my clients for presentations... There is a WoW factor associated with it. Flaunt it in the office before my employees, they respect me more and get motivated too.

price is a big factor man...better will go for samsung galaxy tab